URI to launch winter mini-semester in January

The University of Rhode Island will launch its inaugural “mini-semester” January Term this winter at its Kingston and Providence campuses.

One of those classes is Jazz in New Orleans, a course that goes miles beyond the traditional lecture. 1,465.8 miles, to be exact. Students in this class will focuses on the culture of the city and early jazz music, visit the French Quarter, enjoy traditional Creole cuisine, and soak in the sounds of the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band and a variety of other musicians around town.

The J Term will run from Jan. 2 to Jan. 17, during the break between fall and spring semesters, and will offer 21 undergraduate- and graduate-level on-campus, online and 9 travel…